I think it goes without saying that I love to shop and I’m sure it’s not presumptuous to say you do too.

But there are some things about shopping which drive me mad and can even ruin what should be a pleasant experience.

1. Fitting rooms

I had no problem compiling this but I knew you’d have some suggestions too so I took to Twitter! Here’s a non-exhaustive list of things that annoy us about fitting rooms:

• unflattering lighting (@kitty_says, @TheStyleRawr, @sophwestrope and @rosiehayward were quick to tweet their hatred for this!),
• absent or unhelpful sales assistants,
• nowhere to sit,
• nowhere for accompanying friends/boyfriend to sit,
• nowhere to hang my coat and/or bag,
• curtains that don’t close properly (@lindyloub83 hates this too!),
• dirt/mess e.g. used plasters and chewing gum (this riles @Loupadoupa as well!)
• the smell (either feet, B.O., or enough airfreshener to choke you),
• the size of the cubicles (too small or just not enough of them, and @made2travel agrees),
• and I’ll leave the last one in the words of @lucyjanewood because it made me giggle!

2. Sizing

Hands up if you’ve ever tried on your usual size only to struggle to even get it over your thighs? Or for it you to be able to get it on but it hangs off you like a sack? Or if size 6 shoes are too tight but size 7 would be too large even with an insole?

When it comes to bugging me sizing is a double-hitter because I can be a size 8 in one shop then pop into the store next door and be a size 12. Sort it out retailers!

(This is a particular issue I have with online shopping: I spend far too much time at the post office.)

3. Music

I like music when I’m shopping, it all adds to the experience. But I want to be able to have a conversation with my friend or call my boyfriend without having to shout.

Moaning about this one really annoys me because it makes me feel old.

4. Temperature

Now I understand that sales assistants are dressed for their environment: they’re inside all day (wearing branded t-shirts if they’re particularly unlucky) but work in a room with doors that are either permanently open or opening and closing on a very regular basis. I understand how cold they can get, especially on quiet days when they’re stood around a lot (I really do understand – I’ve been that sales assistant).

But that is no excuse to have the heating on 50°C, thereby inflicting death-by-roasting on anyone who enters the store sensibly layered up against the British weather.

5. Bad bag packing

I’ve just spent money in your store, do you mind not balling my shiny new purchases up and stuffing them into that bag with quite so much enthusiasm?!